Helena is a part of the Medical Scientist Training Program where she is pursuing both her MD and PhD. She is working on the TBI project where she is studying the effects of repetitive mild TBI/concussion and if targeting the NHE1 protein on oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, or neurons is protective. Outside of the lab, Helena does a lot of patient facing volunteering where she is involved with the university’s Street Medicine Team, the university’s Social Medicine Fellows, and the university’s Wellness Committee. Once practicing, Helena is interested in treating brain trauma in patients experiencing homelessness and interpersonal violence. She is also fluent in German and Spanish.